Enabling holographic media backwards compatibility with dual-use media card connector

ABSTRACT

A holographic read only memory card which can be coupled to and read by a card reader to which electronic read only memory cards can also be coupled to and read by the card reader is disclosed. The holographic read only memory card comprises: a housing having a compartment for receiving a holographic storage medium; a holographic storage medium having stored thereon holographic data; and optionally a an electronics panel member having an electronic memory component which can be read by the card reader when the holographic read only memory card is coupled to the electronic card reader. The housing comprises one or more card locating members to thereby repeatedly position the holographic read only memory card each time the holographic read only memory card is coupled to the electronic card reader so that the holographic data can be read.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application makes reference to and claims the priority date ofco-pending Prov. App. No. 60/948,769, entitled “A METHOD FOR ENABLINGMEDIA BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY BY DUAL-USE MEDIA SOCKET DESIGN,” filedJul. 10, 2007, the entire disclosure and contents of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

STATEMENT OF JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

In compliance with 37 C.F.R. §1.71(g) (1), disclosure is herein madethat the claimed invention was made pursuant to a Joint ResearchAgreement as defined in 35 U.S.C. 103 (c) (3), that was in effect on orbefore the date the claimed invention was made, and as a result ofactivities undertaken within the scope of the Joint Research Agreement,by or on the behalf of the InPhase Technologies, Inc. and Nintendo Co.,Ltd.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a holographic read onlymemory card which may be coupled to a card connector and read by a cardreader to which electronic read only memory cards may also be coupled toand read by.

2. Related Art

Suppliers of electronic equipment that makes use of removable media ofpre-recorded data content can face backwards-compatibility issues whendeveloping newer versions of their products to use updated or newlydeveloped media technologies. For example, the maker of a computer orvideo game station console might want to release a newer version of sucha device that takes advantage of the latest improvements in storagecapacity, size and cost reduction, yet makes it feasible for theirexisting customers to use previously purchased media, resulting in moreincentive for these customers to buy the newer version of device. As aresult the newer product may be designed to have multiple media slotsthat accept different media developed at different times in theevolutionary life cycle of the product line, some accepting the latesttechnology and others accepting older and what may be outdated media.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide in such newer mediatechnologies the ability to provide backwards compatibility to read theearlier (older) media with the devices that read such more recent(newer) media.

SUMMARY

According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a device comprising a holographic read only memory card whichcan be coupled to and read by a card reader to which electronic readonly memory cards can also be coupled to and read by the holographicread only memory card comprising:

-   -   a housing having a compartment for receiving a holographic        storage medium; and    -   a holographic storage medium having stored thereon holographic        data;    -   wherein the housing comprises one or more card locating members        to thereby repeatedly position the holographic read only memory        card each time the holographic read only memory card is coupled        to the card reader so that the holographic data can be read.

According to a second broad aspect of the invention, there is provided adevice comprising a holographic read only memory card which can becoupled to and read by a card reader to which electronic read onlymemory cards can also be coupled to and read the holographic read onlymemory card comprising:

-   -   a housing having a compartment for receiving a holographic        storage medium; and    -   a holographic storage medium having stored thereon holographic        data; and    -   an electronics panel member having an electronic memory        component which can be read by the card reader when the        holographic read only memory card is coupled to the electronic        card reader;    -   wherein the housing comprises one or more card locating members        to thereby repeatedly position the holographic read only memory        card each time the holographic read only memory card is coupled        to the electronic card reader so that the holographic data can        be read.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a representative embodiment of aflash or electrical ROM memory card (EROM card);

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the card of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a electrical contact interface end view of the card of FIGS.1-2;

FIG. is 4 is perspective view of an embodiment of a holographic readonly memory (HROM) card with the electronic panel member detached fromthe housing;

FIG. 5 is bottom perspective view of the HROM card of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an alternative bottom perspective view of the HROM card shownin FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side-by-side bottom perspective view comparing theconfigurations of the EROM card of FIGS. 1-3 and the HROM card of FIGS.4-6;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the superimposed HROM and E-ROMcards of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is side view but in a reversed perspective of the superimposedHROM and E-ROM cards of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a card connectorshowing the EROM card of FIGS. 1 through 3 in a card fully insertedposition;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the card connector embodimentshown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is bottom perspective view similar to that of FIG. 11 showingone of the components of the card connector embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view similar to that of FIG. 10, but withcomponents of the card connector embodiment removed to better illustratehow the EROM card fits within and cooperates with features and/orcomponents of the card connector;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to that of FIG. 13 but with the EROM cardremoved (i.e., a fully ejected card position) from the card connectorembodiment;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged breakout of a portion of FIG. 14 to betterillustrate certain features shown therein;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the underside of the ejection/retentionmechanisms shown in FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of FIG. 14 to further illustrate theejection/retention mechanism shown FIGS. 14 through 16 in cooperationwith other features and/or components of the card connector embodiment;

FIG. 18 is perspective view of the underside of one of the components ofthe card connector embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 through 11 to illustratefeatures for repeatably locating the EROM card or HROM card when in afully inserted card position;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the circled portion of FIG. 18 to betterillustrate certain features for repeatably locating the EROM card orHROM card when in a fully inserted card position;

FIG. 20 is top perspective view of the card connector embodiment of FIG.10, but showing the HROM card of FIGS. 4 through 6 in a fully insertedcard position; and

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view similar to that of FIGS. 13 and 20,but with features and/or components of the card connector embodimentremoved to better illustrate how the HROM card fits within andcooperates with other features and/or components of the card connectorembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is advantageous to define several terms before describing theinvention. It should be appreciated that the following definitions areused throughout this application.

Definitions

Where the definition of terms departs from the commonly used meaning ofthe term, applicant intends to utilize the definitions provided below,unless specifically indicated.

For the purposes of the present invention, directional terms such as“top”, “bottom”, “side,” “front,” “frontal,” “forward,” “rear,”“rearward,” “back,” “trailing,” “above”, “below”, “left”, “right”,“horizontal”, “vertical”, “upward”, “downward”, etc. are merely used forconvenience in describing the various embodiments of the presentinvention. The embodiments of the present invention may be oriented invarious ways. For example, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 21may be flipped over, rotated by 90° in any direction, etc.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “disk” refers to adisk-shaped holographic storage medium.

For the purposes of the present invention, the terms “holographicgrating,” “holograph” or “hologram” (collectively and interchangeablyreferred to hereafter as “hologram”) are used in the conventional senseof referring to an interference pattern formed when a signal beam and areference beam interfere with each other. In cases wherein digital datais recorded page-wise, the signal beam may be encoded with a datamodulator, e.g., a spatial light modulator (SLM), etc.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “storage medium”refers to any component, material, etc., capable of storing data whichmay be in the form of information, operable programs (e.g., software),such as, for example, a holographic storage medium.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “holographic storagemedium” refers to medium that has a least one component, material,layer, etc., that is capable of recording and storing one or moreholograms (e.g., bit-wise, linear array-wise or page-wise) as one ormore patterns of varying refractive index imprinted into the medium.Examples of holographic media useful herein include, but are not limitedto, those described in: U.S. Pat. No. 6,103,454 (Dhar et al.), issuedAug. 15, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,551 (Dhar et al.), issued Nov. 19,2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,650,447 (Curtis et al.), issued Nov. 18, 2003,U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,552 (Setthachayanon et al.), issued Jun. 1, 2004;U.S. Pat. No. 6,765,061 (Dhar et al.), Jul. 20, 2004; U.S. Pat. No.6,780,546 (Trentler et al.), issued Aug. 24, 2004; U.S. PatentApplication No. 2003/0206320 (Cole et al.) published Nov. 6, 2003; andU.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0027625 (Trentler et al.), publishedFeb. 12, 2004, the entire disclosure and contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference. A holographic storage medium may be any typeof holographic storage medium including: a transparent holographicstorage medium, a holographic storage medium including a plurality ofcomponents or layers such as a reflective layer, a holographic storagemedium including a reflective layer and a polarizing layer so reflectionmay be controlled with polarization, a holographic storage mediumincluding a variable beam transmission layer that may be pass, absorb,reflect, be transparent to, etc., light beams, grating layers forreflecting light beams, substrates, substrates with servo markings, etc.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “holographicrecording” refers to the act of recording a hologram in a holographicstorage medium. The holographic recording may provide bit-wise storage(i.e., recording of one bit of data), may provide storage of a1-dimensional linear array of data (i.e., a 1×N array, where N is thenumber linear data bits), or may provide 2-dimensional storage of a pageof data.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “processor” refersto a device capable of, for example, executing instructions,implementing logic, calculating and storing values, etc. Exemplaryprocessors may include application specific integrated circuits (ASIC),central processing units, microprocessors, such as, for example,microprocessors commercially available from Intel and AMD, etc.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “reading data”refers to retrieving, recovering, or reconstructing data (e.g.,holographic data) stored in a storage medium (e.g., a holographicstorage medium), and may include using, displaying, etc., suchretrieved, recovered, or reconstructed data.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “recording data”refers to storing or writing data (e.g., holographic data) into astorage medium (e.g., a holographic storage medium).

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “device” may refer toan apparatus, a mechanism, equipment, a machine, a combination ofelements, components, etc.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “holographic storagesystem or device” refers to a system or device which may record (store)holographic data, which may read (recover) holographic data, or whichmay record (store) and read (recover) holographic data.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “media content label”refers to a label attached to a media card that presents informationdescribing the card's data contents.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “flash memory” refersto non-volatile computer memory that may be electrically erased andreprogrammed.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “ROM” refers toread-only memory. ROM may include memory which cannot be modified (atleast not very quickly or easily), memory which may be erased andre-programmed multiple times such as, for example, Erasable Programmableread-only memory (EPROM) and flash Electrically Erasable Programmableread-only memory (EEPROM), etc.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “SSM” refers to asolid state memory device, such as an electronic memory card.

For the purpose of the present invention, the terms “EROM or E-ROM”refer to an electronic or solid-state read-only memory device.

For the purpose of the present invention, the terms “H-ROM” or “HROM”refer to a holographic read-only memory device.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “compatible cards”refers to memory cards which may be used interchangeably in a given cardconnector, and are thus “compatible” with that card connector.

For the purpose of the present invention, the terms “backwardscompatible,” “backwards compatibility,” etc. refer to memory cards of anearlier (older) design (in terms of shape, mechanism, function,hardware, software, technology, etc.) compared to more recent (newer)card designs (also in terms of shape, mechanism, function, hardware,software, technology, etc.), but which are able to compatibly functionwith a card connector designed for the older card, or designed toaccommodate both the newer and older card.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “memory card” refersto a solid-state electronic and/or holographic memory data storagedevice which may be used with digital cameras, handheld and portable(mobile) computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), telephones,music players, video game players, etc., as well as combinationsthereof.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “card reader” refersto a device which reads memory cards so that the data, programs, etc.,contained therein may be displayed, printed, used, manipulated,operated, etc.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “card connector”(also referred to interchangeably as a “card socket”) refers to devicewhich receives, is coupled to, has inserted therein, etc., memory cardsand which enables the memory cards to be read by a card reader. In someembodiments, the card connector may be simply electronically connectedto the card reader, may be the integral with or structurally part of thecard reader, etc.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “fully inserted cardposition” refers to when a memory card is fully inserted and lockedposition within the card connector so that the memory card may be readby a card reader.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “partially insertedcard position” refers to when a memory card is partially or fullyinserted within the card connector but is not in a locked position sothat the memory card may or may not be readable by a card reader.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “fully ejected cardposition” refers to when a memory card is in a position where the cardis fully, completely, totally, etc., ejected from within the cardconnector so that the memory card cannot be read by a card reader.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “partially ejectedcard position” refers to when a memory card is partially, but not fully,ejected from within the card connector so that the memory card cannot beread by a card reader.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “card locatingmember” refers to one or more elements, features, surfaces, recesses,notches, protrusions, etc., which may be used to repeatedly locate amemory card when in a fully inserted card position within the cardconnector. The card locating member may repeatedly locate the memorycard in one or more of: the side-to-side direction, bottom-to-topdirection, front-to rear direction, etc.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “repeatably locate”refers to a memory card which, when in a fully inserted card position,is positioned in the card connector each time such that a card readermay read the data on the memory card in a reproducible, consistent andcorrect manner.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “undeformed state”refers to the position of an element, feature, component, segment, etc.,without any biasing forces being applied thereto.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “deformed state”refers to the position of an element, feature, component, segment, etc.,with any biasing forces being applied thereto, e.g., by link 1338/shaft1504 pressing against the unattached end of segment 1322, as describedbelow.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term “portable electronicdevice” refers to an electronic device which is relatively mobile andwhich may be carried by the user relatively easily from one place toanother. Portable electronic devices may include, for example, digitalcameras, portable or laptop computers, personal digital assistants(PDAs), video game players, etc.

Description

In portable electronic devices such as digital cameras, portable orlaptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), video gameplayers, etc., an electronic memory card (e.g., an EROM card) may beprovided for storing, downloading, swapping, etc., electronic data,operable programs, etc. In order to read and utilize the electronicmemory card (by utilizing a card reader), it may be necessary to providea card connector for the portable device, to receive the memory card,where the card connector is simply electronically connected to the cardreader, or where the card connector is integral with or forms part ofthe card reader. For example, the card connector may provide the abilityto electronically connect the memory card with a microprocessor in theportable electronic device which is able to read the memory card. Inaddition, the card connector may be required to accommodate multipleelectronic memory cards having different lengths, widths, thicknesses,shapes, configurations, functions, couplings, etc., that may also beused with many different types of portable electronic devices. See, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,920 (Sun), issued May 14, 2002, whichdescribes a card connector in the form of a socket device for electronicmemory cards which is illustrated as being able to receive upwards offour different electronic memory cards having different lengths, widths,thicknesses, shapes, configurations, functions, couplings, etc.

In place of electronic memory cards, holographic memory cards may beused with at least some of these portable electronic devices.Holographic memory cards may provide the ability to store significantlymore data than electronic memory cards, provide more updated or currentversions of programs that provide enhanced features (compared to earlierelectronic memory cards), provide memory storage that is more permanentor at least more difficult, for example, to accidentally (orintentionally) erase or copy, thus making it more difficult to replicateor “pirate” whatever data, programs, etc., is stored on the memory card(or for the user to accidentally lose the stored data, programs, etc.),etc. But because electronic memory cards have been around for quite abit longer, and because the portable devices using such electronicmemory cards may be owned by many different users, it may not bepractical to simply construct portable devices for use by holographicmemory cards only. Also, in some cases, it may be desirable for the userof the portable device to be able to still use and read the electronicmemory cards, and especially pre-existing electronic memory cards, withthe portable device, be it a digital camera, portable computer, videogame player, etc.

Creating a holographic memory cards, as well as card connectors forreading, using, receiving, coupling to, etc., such cards that arecompatible with pre-existing electronic memory cards may presentchallenges. For example, a holographic memory card design may need to bemade sufficiently similar (but not necessarily identical) to apre-existing electronic memory card so that the pre-existing electronicmemory card may be inserted into a card connector and then read by acard reader designed for the holographic memory card. In addition, whiledata that is not changed may be permanently stored on the holographicstorage medium of the holographic memory card, some data which maychange or be changed during use and over time (for example, dates,scores, etc.) and which may need to be stored permanently ortemporarily, transferred to other devices, etc., may require at leastsome changeable electronic memory capability. For example, the memorycard (as well as the card reader and related card connector receivingand reading same) may incorporate the ability to both read theholographic storage medium, as well as to read and/or store electronicdata in the electronic memory component of the memory card so that atleast some data may be changeable, as well as storable for futurereading, modification, etc., during use and over time.

FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate an embodiment of a pre-existing electronicmemory or solid state memory (SSM) electronic read only memory (EROM)storage card, while FIGS. 4 through 9 illustrate how an embodiment of aholographic read-only memory storage card (HROM) might be designed toallow use of both the EROM and HROM cards with the same card connectorand/or card reader. The data, programs, etc., recorded, stored, etc., onthe HROM card may be read and used by a holographic reading device orsystem, for example, one described in U.S. Pat. Application No.2006/0279823 (Riley et al.), published Dec. 14, 2006, and U.S. Pat.Application No. 2006/0238841 (Anderson et al.), published Dec. 14, 2006(the entire disclosure and contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference), while the EROM card may be received by, inserted into, etc.,a card connector and read through a separate electrical connection andby a separate electronic device or system. See, for example, U.S. Pat.No. 7,118,394 (Yoneyama et al.), issued Oct. 10, 2006; U.S. Pat. No.6,398,567 (Nishimura et al.), issued Jun. 4, 2002; and U.S. Pat.Application No. 2003/0096521 (Kikuchi et al.), published May 22, 2003(the entire disclosure and contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference), which illustrate some card connectors forreceiving/insertion of electronic memory cards.

FIGS. 1 and 2 provide bottom and top perspective views of an embodimentof a representative flash or electronic ROM memory card (EROM card),which is generally indicated as 100. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, EROMcard 100 may be provided with an outer housing, indicated generally as102. EROM card 100 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as having a generallysquare-shaped configuration but may also have other shapes andconfigurations, for example, rectangular, etc. EROM 100 is shown FIGS. 1and 2 as comprising a housing 102 having a leading or forward electricalconnector edge 104, a rearward or trailing edge 108 laterally spacedapart from, and generally parallel with, forward edge 104, and a firstside edge 112 connecting one end of each of forward edge 104 andrearward edge 108. Housing 102 is also provided with a second side edge116 laterally spaced apart from and generally parallel with first sideedge 112 and connecting the other end of each of forward edge 104 andrearward edge 108, as well as a generally square-shaped bottom section120, and a similarly generally square-shaped top section 124.

As shown in FIG. 1, bottom section 120 is provided with an electricalcontact interface 128, which positioned within recess 130 in bottomsection 120 at or proximate to forward edge 104 and which has a widthwhich is slightly smaller than the width between first side edge 112 andsecond side edge 116. First side edge 112 has formed therein a firstretainer and/or ejection feature in the form of a generally cube-shapedrecess 132 between forward edge 104 and rearward edge 108 (shown in FIG.1 as being approximately midway between forward edge 104 and rearwardedge 108), and a second retainer and/or ejection feature 136 in the formof a notch-shaped recess formed at or proximate to where first edge 112connects to forward edge 104. Second side edge 116 has formed therein acard orientation feature in the form of a generally L-shaped groove 140extending from or proximate forward edge 104 to or proximate rearwardedge 108. As shown in FIG. 2, top section 124 is provided with a mediacontent label, indicated as 144.

FIG. 3 is electrical contact interface edge or end view of EROM card 100of FIGS. 1 and 2 to illustrate the various guide surfaces of EROM card100. As shown in FIG. 3, EROM card 100 has a first side guide surface312 along first side edge 112, a second side guide surface 316 alongsecond side edge 116, a bottom guide surface 320 along bottom section120, and a top guide surface 324 along top section 124.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a holographic ROM memory card (HROM card),which is generally indicated as 400. As shown in FIG. 4, HROM card 400comprises a generally rectangular-shaped housing, indicated generally as402. Housing 402 has a recessed inner compartment 408 which is providedwith or has formed therein a retainer section, indicated generally as412, for receiving a holographic storage medium 416. HROM card 400 alsocomprises a generally rectangular-shaped electronics panel member 420(shown in FIG. 4 as being detached from housing 402). Panel member 420may be optionally provided with an electronic flash memory component,indicated generally as 424, to provide, for example, flash electronic“user” memory for card 400 (e.g., to provide updates, dates accessed,etc.), that may not be recordable on holographic storage medium 416during, for example, use of HROM card 400, as opposed to before HROMcard 400 is sold, provided, etc., to the user and when holographic datais normally recorded, stored, etc., on medium 416, and which fits withinportion 428 of compartment 408 when electronics panel member 420 isattached, secured, etc., to housing 402. As also shown in FIG. 4,housing 402 has provided or formed therein an upper generallyrectangular-shaped recessed portion 432 for receiving and retainingelectronics panel and which has a shoulder 436 for on which theelectronics panel member 420 is seated when attached, secured, etc., tohousing 402 so that HROM card 400 is ready for use.

FIGS. 5 and 6 provide alternative bottom perspective views of HROM card400 of FIG. 4 to illustrate other features of HROM card 400. Referringto FIGS. 5 and 6, housing 402 of HROM card 400 has leading or forwardedge 504, a rearward or trailing edge 508 laterally spaced apart from,and generally parallel to, forward edge 504, and a first side edge 512connecting one end of each of forward edge 504 and rearward edge 508.Housing 402 is also provided with a second side edge 516 laterallyspaced apart from, and generally parallel to, first side edge 512 andconnecting the other end of each of forward edge 504 and rearward edge508, Electronic panel member 420, which is attached, secured, etc., tohousing 402, completes bottom section 520 of housing 402, with bottomsection 520 (including panel member 420) thus being generallyrectangular-shaped, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Housing 402 is alsoprovided with a generally rectangular-shaped top section, indicatedgenerally as 524.

As shown in FIG. 5, panel member 420 is provided with an electricalcontact interface, indicated generally as 528, at or proximate toforward edge 504. First side edge 512 has formed therein, for example, afirst retainer and/or ejection feature in the form of a generallycube-shaped recess 532 between forward edge 504 and rearward edge 508(for example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, approximately midway betweenforward edge 504 and rearward edge 508), and a second retainer and/orejection feature 536 in the form of a recess formed at or proximate towhere first side edge 512 connects to forward edge 504. As shown in FIG.5, first side edge 512 is also provided with a first side-to-side cardlocating member in the form of, for example, protrusion 544 provided onor formed in housing 402 proximate second feature (recess) 536, as wellas a second side-to-side card locating member in the form of, forexample, protrusion 548 provided on or formed in housing 402 which islocated between second feature (recess) 536 and rearward edge 508 (forexample, as shown in FIG. 5, approximately midway between feature(recess) 536 and rearward edge 508). As also shown in FIG. 5, bottomsection 520 of housing 402 has a first side portion 552 adjacent andconnected to first side edge 512, and a second side portion 556 adjacentand connected to second side edge 516.

As shown in FIG. 6, first side portion 552 of bottom section 520 hasformed therein a recessed first bottom guide and positioning surface,indicated as 612, while second side portion 556 of bottom section 520has formed therein a second recessed bottom guide and positioningsurface, indicated as 616. Surfaces 612 and 616 may each be engaged byrespective guide or positioning fingers (not shown) of the cardconnector (also not shown). As also shown in FIG. 6, second side edge516 has formed therein a card insertion reference feature in the formof, for example, a notch 640 extending from top section 524 to secondside portion 556.

FIG. 7 is a side-by-side bottom perspective view of EROM card 100 ofFIGS. 1-3 and bottom perspective view of HROM card 400 of FIGS. 4-6comparing the compatibility of the configurations of these cards. Asshown in FIG. 6, various features of HROM card 400 correspond to variousfeatures of EROM card 100. For example, HROM card 400 has electricalcontact interface 528 (corresponding to electrical contact interface 128of EROM card 100), a first retainer and/or ejection feature (recess) 532(corresponding to first retainer and/or ejection feature (recess) 132 ofEROM card 100), and a second retainer and/or ejection feature (recess)536 (corresponding to second retainer and/or ejection feature (recess)136 of EROM card 100).

The compatibility, as well as differences, of the configurations of EROMcard 100 and HROM card 400 are further illustrated by FIGS. 8 and 9.FIG. 8 provides a top perspective view of HROM card 400 superimposed onE-ROM card 100 and shows top section 524 being provided with a first topridge 802 (extending along adjacent side edge 512), a second top ridge806 (extending along adjacent side edge 516) with an inwardly curvedrearward portion 810 formed between and connecting first top ridge 802and second top ridge 806 proximate rearward edge 508. FIG. 9 provides aside view (with a reversed perspective relative to the view of FIG. 8 inthat the respective tops and bottoms of cards 100 and 400 are shown inreversed order) of HROM card 400 superimposed on E-ROM card 100 with therespective bottom section 520 and bottom section 120 facing upwardly,and the respective top section 524 and top section 124 facingdownwardly. As can be seen in FIG. 7, HROM card 400 has a length (i.e.,from forward edge 504 to rearward edge 508) that is longer than that(i.e., from forward edge 104 to rearward edge 108) of EROM card 100, buthas a width (i.e., from first side edge 512 to second side edge 516)that is similar to, although slightly larger than, the width (i.e., fromfirst side edge 112 to second side edge 116) of EROM card 100. See alsoFIG. 9. This slightly larger but similar width of HROM card 400 and EROM100 enables each of these cards to be coupled, received, inserted, etc.,within the same card connector component of a backwards compatible cardreader. But as shown in FIG. 9, side edges 512 and 516 of HROM card 400,which provide side edge guide surfaces for card 400, are of asufficiently different configuration from side edge guide surfaces 312and 316 of EROM card 100 so that HROM card 400 may be repeatedlypositioned or located (with the aid of protrusions 544 and 548 not shownin FIG. 9, alone or in combination with other features on a cardconnector in which HROM card 400 is in a fully inserted card position)each time in the same or similar position within the card connectorcomponent of the card reader so that the holographic data recorded,stored, etc., on holographic storage medium 416 may be readreproducibly, consistently and correctly. Similarly, as also shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, first top ridge 802 (from top section 524) and first sideedge 512 have formed therein at the juncture thereof a firstside-to-side card locating surface, for example, a recess in the form ofnotch 812 adjacent and extending along first side edge 512, while secondtop ridge 806 (from top section 524) and second side edge 516 haveformed therein at the juncture thereof a second side-to-side cardlocating surface, for example, a recess in the form of notch 816adjacent and extending along first side edge 512, so that HROM card 400may again be repeatedly positioned each time within the card connectorcomponent of the card reader so that the holographic data recorded,stored, etc., on holographic storage medium 416 may be read.

A pre-existing EROM card connector may not accept the HROM card. Forexample, if the HROM card has a wider width (e.g., as shown forembodiment of HROM card 400 in FIG. 9), the HROM card would precludedfrom being inserted into a pre-existing EROM card connector accepting anEROM card having a narrower width (e.g., as shown for the embodiment ofthe EROM card 100 in FIG. 9). In fact, making the HROM cardnon-insertable into a pre-existing card connector or card socket for anEROM card may be useful in preventing a user from mistakenly assumingthat the HROM card would work or be usable with the pre-existing cardconnector for the EROM card. Accordingly, designing a card connectorwhich: (1) may accept both an HROM card and an EROM card; (2) be able toposition or locate each of the respective cards uniquely using featureson the cards, alone or in combination with other features on the cardconnector; and (3) be able to distinguish between the two cards wheneach is respectively inserted into the card connector may allow for eachcard to be uniquely identified, used, etc., by the card connector, forexample, in conjunction with a card reader. For example, after insertionof either the EROM card or HROM card in the card connector, cardidentification may be carried out by performing an “identification-read”step by attempting to read the inserted card electronically and/orholographically.

FIGS. 10 through 21 illustrate an embodiment of a card connector in theform of, for example, a card socket, indicated generally as 1000, whichmay be used either separately or integrally with a card reader to read,use and/or display the embodiment of the EROM card 100 of FIGS. 1through 3, as well as the embodiment of the HROM card 400 of FIGS. 4through 6. FIGS. 10 through 12 illustrate how EROM card 100 fits withinand engages the various components of card socket 1000. Card socket 1000comprises an outer main r frame 1002 having a generally rectangular orsquare shape. Outer frame 1002 comprises a front segment 1004, a rearsegment 1008 generally parallel to and laterally spaced from frontsegment 1004, a first side segment 1012 connecting one end of each offront and rear segments 1004 and 1008, and a second side segment 1016generally parallel to and laterally spaced from first side segment 1012and connecting the other end of each of front and rear segments 1004 and1008. Card socket 1000 further comprises an inner memory card receivingframe 1020 having a memory card receiving section, indicated generallyas 1024, and an electrical connector section 1028 which are separated bya divider segment 1032 of inner frame 1020. Inner frame 1020 furthercomprises a front segment 1036, a rear segment 1040 generally parallelto and laterally spaced from front segment 1036, a first side segment1044 connecting one end of each of front and rear segments 1036 and1040, and a second side segment 1048 generally parallel to and laterallyspaced from first side segment 1044 and connecting the other end of eachof front and rear segments 1036 and 1040. As shown in FIG. 10, dividersegment 1032 is connected to first and second side segments 1044 and1048 and is positioned closer to rear segment 1040, relative to frontsegment 1036. Front segment 1036 of inner frame 1020 is joined,connected secured, etc., to inner surface 1052 of front segment 1004 ofouter frame 1002, while rear segment 1040 of inner frame 1020 is joined,connected secured, etc., to inner surface 1056 of rear segment 1004 ofouter frame 1002. The manner in which front segment 1036 of inner frame1020 is joined, connected secured, etc., to inner surface 1052 of frontsegment 1004 of outer frame 1002 provides memory card insertion port,indicated generally as 1060.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, card socket 1000 further comprises abottom card cover bracket, indicated generally as 1102, which may bemade of a suitable a suitable material having flexible, spring-likecharacteristics, for example, a sheet metal such as stainless steel.Bracket 1102 comprises a generally rectangular or square-shaped basemember 1104 which is joined, connected secured, etc., to inner frame1020 and which has a frontal edge 1106 and rear edge 1108 laterallyspaced apart from frontal edge 1106. Bracket 1102 further comprises afirst side wall 1112 connected to and extending generallyperpendicularly or orthogonally from one side edge 1114 of base member1104 from front edge 1004 to rear edge 1008, and a second side wall 1116generally parallel to and laterally spaced apart from first side wall1112. Second side wall 1116 is connected to and extends generallyperpendicularly or orthogonally from the other side edge 1118 of basemember 1104 from front edge 1004 to rear edge 1008. Bracket 1102provides a memory card receiving or insertion area or slot, indicatedgenerally as 1120, defined as being generally between front edge 1106,rear edge 1108, and side walls 1112 and 1116.

As further shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, front edge 1106 is provided with agenerally arcuate shaped recess 1124 between side edges 1114 and 1118,while rear edge 1108 is provided with a generally rectangular-shapedrecess 1128 between side edges 1114 and 1118. Recess 1128 allows bracket1102 to receive the base portion 1132 of electrical connector component1136 of card socket 1000. Base portion 1132 may be joined, connectedsecured, etc., to the bottom 1140 of outer frame 1002 at or proximaterear segment 1008. Electrical connector component 1136 further comprisesa plurality of electrical contact members in the form of, for example,electrical contact fingers 1144 which are joined, connected secured,etc., at one end to base portion 1132. The other end of electricalcontact fingers 1144 extend through a generally rectangular-shapedaperture 1148 formed in base member 1104. As also shown in FIGS. 11 and12 are a plurality of cantilever-like and spring-like card biasingelements 1152-1 through 1152-3 formed from base member 1104, forexerting an upwards biasing force away from base member 1104 and againstthe respective bottom section 120 of EROM card 100 or bottom section 520of HROM card 400 so as to keep the card located against locatingsurfaces or features of inner frame 1020, as described below) As shownin FIGS. 11 and 13, side wall 1112 has a plurality of spaced apart andgenerally square shaped apertures 1164-1 through 1164-3 for receivingrespective retainer members 1168-1 through 1168-3 protruding outwardlyfrom side segment 1044 of inner frame 1020, to provide one way ormechanism for securing bracket 1102 to inner frame 1020, and thus tocard socket 1000. As shown in FIG. 13, similar apertures 1176 may beformed in side wall 1116 for receiving similar retainer members like1168 (not shown) protruding outwardly from side segment 1040 of innerframe 1020.

Referring to FIG. 13, bracket 1102 is provided with an upper memory cardengaging surface 1204. Bracket 1102 is also provided with a retainerand/or ejection mechanism, indicated generally as 1212, which may engageretainer and/or rejection features 132 and/or 136, and which ispositioned proximate or adjacent to side wall 1112. As also shown inFIG. 13, bracket 1102 is also provided with a front-to-rear directioncard locator mechanism, indicated generally as 1216, which may engage afront-to-rear locator direction feature in the form of, for example,notch 640 formed in side edge 516) of HROM card 400, as furtherdescribed below. Front-to-rear direction card locator mechanism 1216 ispositioned proximate or adjacent to side wall 1116 and is securedattached, fastened, etc., to the underside of segment 1048 by clipmember 1220 (which may be formed integrally with mechanism 1212) by, forexample, fasteners (not shown).

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, retainer and/or ejection mechanism 1212comprises a clip member 1304 having a generally vertical stiffening ribportion 1308 shown as extending upwardly and generally perpendicularlyor orthogonally relative to upper surface 1204, a generally horizontalmain portion 1310 shown as extending generally perpendicularly ororthogonally from rib portion 1308 and towards side wall 1112, and avertical portion 1312 shown as extending generally upwardly andgenerally perpendicularly or orthogonally from edge 1316 of main portion1310. Main portion 1310 is used to secure, attach, fasten, etc., clipmember 1304 to the underside of side segment 1044 by, for example,fasteners (not shown). Main portion 1310 is provided with a generallycircular-shaped protrusion 1320 extending generally outwardly andupwardly from main portion 1310, and a spring-like cantilever segment1322 extending generally diagonally and upwardly from edge 1324proximate protrusion 1320 and towards rear edge 1326 of main portion1310. Cantilever segment 1322 is provided with an elongated slot 1328for making the spring-like action of cantilever segment 1322 more“gentle” and to thus reduce the upward biasing force applied by segment1322). Mechanism 1212 further comprises a slider member 1334, anelongated generally U-shaped link 1338 (which deflects cantileversegment 1322 downwardly towards the plane of main portion so thatsegment 1322 lies below link 1338) and a biasing member in the form of acoiled spring 1342 having one end 1344 proximate rear edge 1326. Slidermember 1334 is provided with a generally cylindrical shaft 1348 which issurrounded by spring 1342 and along which spring 1342 may movelaterally. Slider member 1334 is also provided with an inwardlyprojecting first engagement member 1352 which is positioned toreleasably engage first ejection and/or retention feature 132 of EROMcard 100, as well as an inwardly projecting second engagement member1356 which is positioned to releasably engage second ejection and/orretention feature 136 of EROM card 100, as further described below.

Referring to FIG. 14, front-to-rear direction card locator mechanism1216 further comprises an elongated engagement member, indicatedgenerally as 1364 which is connected to or integral with clip member1220 and which has at one end thereof a generally V-shaped prong 1368which may releasably engage notch 640 of HROM card 400, as furtherdescribed below.

Referring to FIG. 16, link 1338 is provided with a generallyhorizontally extending shaft 1504, a first forward prong 1508 extendingupwardly from one end of shaft 1504 and a second rearward prong 1512extending upwardly from the other end of shaft 1504. Shaft 1504 makescontact with the free, unattached end of cantilever segment 1322 (thuspreventing segment from returning to an undeformed position), with thelateral positioning of link 1338, relative to clip member 1304, beingrelatively fixed and limited by first prong 1508 being biased bycantilever segment 1322 (in its deformed state as shown in FIGS. 15 and17), along with circular protrusion 1320, into, for example, acylindrical recess (not shown) formed in the side segment 1040, butallowing for at least some pivoting of link 1338 about the axis definedby first prong 1508. Cantilever segment 1322 also biases rearward prong1512 into a cam recess formed in slider member 1334, as describedfurther below with and shown in FIG. 16. As further shown in FIG. 16,slider member 1334 comprises an upper portion 1516 having a forward end1520, a rearward portion 1524 extending downwardly from upper portion1516, a first side portion 1528 extending downwardly from upper portion1516 and having a feature 1530 proximate forward end 1520 and extendingoutwardly from first side portion 1528 (for potentially causing slidermember 1334 move or “rock” slightly sideways so that engagement features1356 and 1352 may be engaged by respective recesses 132/532 and 136/536of EROM card 100 or HROM card 400 as slider member 1334 initially moveslaterally in response to when card 100 or 400, for example, makescontact with engagement feature 1356 and starts to compress spring1342), a second side portion 1532 extending downwardly from upperportion 1516, with first engagement member 1352 and second engagementmember 1356 extend outwardly from second side portion. Side portions1528 and 1532 are positioned on either side of upper portion 1516 sothat these side portions are on either side of cantilever segment 1322so that slider member 1334 is freely movable laterally forwards (orrearward) relative to segment 1322, as further described below. As shaft1348 slides rearwardly within spring 1342, rearward portion 1524 (whichmay be in continuous contact) engages front end 1534 of spring 1342,thus compressing spring 1342, as further described below.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, upper portion 1516, rearward portion 1524and first and second side portions 1528 and 1532 define a hollow area1536. As shown in FIG. 15, upper portion 1516 has a generally Y-shapedcam recess 1540 formed in the underside 1544 thereof. Peninsula-shapedprotruding feature 1548 of underside 1544 extends into forked portion1550 of cam recess 1540, while island-shaped protruding feature 1552 ispositioned in forked portion 1550 to define a rearward elongated slot1560; a first branched slot 1564 extending from elongated slot 1560 andterminating in forward end 1566, a second branched slot 1568 extendingfrom rearward slot 1560 and terminating in forward end 1570, and a shorttransverse slot 1572 connected at each end to first and second branchedslots 1564 and 1568. Feature 1548 has a rearward prong-receiving lockingnotch 1576. In response to the forward or rearward lateral movement ofslider member 1334, and in response to the engagement of first andsecond engagement members 1352 and 1356 by respective retainer and/orejection features (recesses) 132 and 136, of EROM card 100, rearwardprong 1512 may be directed to move within rearward slot 1560, branchedslots 1564 or 1568, or transverse slot 1572, which may have shaped,configured, etc., surfaces to direct the movement of rearward prong 1512within these slots depending on whether slider member 1334 is moving(primarily) laterally forward or rearward, or moving or “rocking”slightly inwardly towards card receiving/insertion area/slot 1120 oroutwardly towards sidewall 1112 to engage/disengage engagement members1352 and 1356 in response to recesses 132/532 and 136/536 of cards100/400, as further described below.

Referring to FIG. 18, a perspective view of the underside of inner frame1020 is shown to illustrate features for repeatably locating EROM card100 or HROM card 400 when in a fully inserted card position in cardsocket position. As shown in FIG. 18, a pair of spaced apart and largerEROM card locating members 1804 and 1808 are provided. Also provided arethree smaller HROM card locating members 1812, 1816 and 1820. As shownin FIG. 18, HROM card locating member 1812 is positioned proximate sidesegment 1044 and nearer or closer to front segment 1036. As also shownFIG. 18, HROM card locating members 1816 and 1820 are positionedproximate side segment 1048, with HROM card locating member 1816 beingpositioned nearer or closer to front segment 1036, while HROM cardlocating member 1820 being positioned nearer or closer to rear segment1040. Referring now to FIG. 19 which shows an enlarged view of circulararea 1824, EROM card locating member 1808 (EROM card locating member1804 is similarly configured) of comprises an inner generally verticalside wall 1904, a generally planar and horizontal EROM card locatingsurface 1908 extending perpendicularly from side wall 1904 at connectingedge 1910, and a generally vertical EROM card locating shoulder 1912extending generally perpendicularly from EROM card locating surface 1908at connecting edge 1916. As further shown in FIG. 19, side segment 1048is provided with a generally planar and horizontal underside surface1924 (which, in FIG. 19, is oriented generally horizontal and higherthan/displaced above surface 1908) which extends generallyperpendicularly from EROM card locating shoulder 1912 at connecting edge1928. As shown in FIG. 19, HROM card locating member 1816 (which isrepresentative of HROM card locating members 1812 and 1818) protrudesoutwardly away from surface 1924 and comprises a generallysquare-shaped, horizontal and planar HROM locating surface 1932 and apair of rounded flanges 1936 and 1940 adjacent or flanking,respectively, upper edges 1944 and 1948 of surface 1932. As furthershown in FIG. 19, the underside of side segment 1048 (which, in FIG. 19,is oriented generally horizontal and higher than/displaced above surface1924) is further provided with a generally vertical HROM card locatingshoulder 1952 extending generally perpendicularly from surface 1924 atconnecting edge 1956 and which further includes an upper HROM cardnotch-engaging edge 1960 which is vertically spaced apart fromconnecting edge 1956.

When EROM card 100 is in used with card socket 1000, EROM may beinserted into insertion port 1060 and is then received within area/slot1120 in a partially inserted card position. During insertion of EROMcard 100 within area/slot 1120 towards rear edge 1108/rear segment 1008,recess 136 of side edge 112 receives and engages first engagement member1352 of slider member 1334, followed by recess 136 of side edge 112receiving and engaging second engagement member 1356 of slider member1334. As slider member 1334 moves laterally rearward towards rear edge1108/front segment 1004, and in response to recesses 136 and 132engaging respective engagement members 1356 and 1352, rearward portion1524 engages and compresses spring 1342. Rearward prong 1512 also movesforward within cam recess 1540 as slider member 1334 moves laterallyrearward towards rear edge 1108/rear segment 1008. To lock slider member1334 in a relatively fixed position, EROM card 100 is allowed (asnecessary) to move slightly forward towards front edge 1106, thuspartially decompressing spring 1342 and enabling rearward prong 1512 toreach and be locked within locking notch 1576 (due to the biasing forceof spring 1342), thus achieving a fully inserted card position for EROMcard 100. During the process of inserting EROM card 100 into area/slot1120, card biasing elements 1152-1 through 1152-3 press against bottomsection 120 and urge EROM card 100 upwardly against EROM card locatingsurface 1908 of EROM card locating member 1808, as well as EROM cardlocating surface 1972 of EROM card locating member 1804 such that theside edges of top section 124/top guide surface 324 are pressed againstupper inner surfaces of side segments 1044 and 1048. Because thedistance between EROM card locating shoulder 1912 and a correspondingEROM card locating shoulder (not shown) which is similar to shoulder1912 and proximate to EROM card locating member 1804 is slightly widerthan the width of EROM card 100 (as defined by side edges 112 and 116),side edges 112 and 116 are seated and pressed against the respectiveEROM card locating shoulders, thus locating EROM card 10 repeatably inthe side-to-side direction, as well as in the bottom-to-top direction.

To eject EROM card 100, EROM card 100 may pushed slightly towards rearedge 1108/rear segment 1008 to unlock rearward prong 1512 from lockingnotch 1576. Once rearward prong 1512 is unlocked, slider member 1334 maythen move laterally forward towards front edge 1106/front segment 1004(due to the biasing force exerted by spring 1342 as it uncompresses) sothat EROM card 100 (due to recesses 136 and 132 still engagingengagement members 1356 and 1352) is move to a partially ejected cardposition. As engagement members 1356 and 1352 are disengaged fromrecesses 136 and 132 as EROM card 100 continues to move laterallyforward towards front edge 1106/front segment 1004, EROM card 100reaches a fully ejected card position so that EROM card 100 it may beretrieved from card socket 1000 through port 1060. There may be some“looseness” or clearance between engagement members 1352 and 1356 andrespective recesses 132 and 136 to enable engagement members 1352 and1356 to more easily disengage from recesses 132 and 136 during theejection operation.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate card socket 1000 when HROM card 400 isinserted through port 1060. The insertion and ejection process for HROMcard 400 is similar to that for the EROM card 100 previously described,and further described hereafter. When in a fully inserted cardpositions, as particularly shown in FIG. 21, mechanism 1212 engagesretention/ejection features (recesses) 532 and 536, while front-to-reardirection card locator mechanism 1216 engages front-to-rear directioncard locator notch 640. Second engagement 1356 presses against side edge512 of HROM card 400, thus causing reference features (protrusions) 544and 548 along side edge 516 to engage inner surface 18XX of side segment1012, to thus locate HROM card 400 laterally in the side-to-sidedirection (e.g., as defined by the direction from side segment 1012 toside segment 1016) within card socket 1000. V-shaped prong 1368 offront-to-rear direction card locator mechanism 1216 engagesfront-to-rear direction locator feature (e.g., notch 640) of HROM card400, thus locating card 400 repeatably in the front-to-rear direction(e.g., as defined by the direction from front segment 1004 to rearsegment 1008) of card socket 1000. Mechanism 1212, which engagesretention/ejection features (recesses) 532 and 536, should be “loose”enough in the front-to-rear direction such that HROM card 400 may bepositioned in the front-to rear direction by the combination of front-torear direction locator mechanism 1216 engaging front-to rear directionlocator notch 640. In addition, because HROM card 400 (as defined byside edges 512 and 516) is slightly wider than the distance between EROMcard locating shoulder 1912 and the corresponding EROM card locatingshoulder (not shown) which is similar to shoulder 1912 and proximate toHROM card locating member 1812, respective ridges 802 and 806 of HROMcard 400 are pressed upwardly against the HROM card locating surfaces(e.g., surface 1932) of HROM card locating members 1812, 1816 and 1820(due to the upward biasing force exerted by card biasing elements 1152-1through 1152-3 press against bottom section 520). Also, notch 816engages, is seated and pressed against HROM card notch-engaging edge1960, while notch 812 engages, is seated and pressed against HROM cardnotch-engaging edge (not shown) which is similar to edge 1960 on theunderside of side segment 1044, thus locating HROM card 400 repeatablyin the side-to-side direction, as well as in the bottom-to-topdirection.

Although the present invention has been fully described in conjunctionwith several embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modificationsmay be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes andmodifications are to be understood as included within the scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they departtherefrom.

All documents, patents, journal articles and other materials cited inthe present application are hereby incorporated by reference.

1. A device comprising a holographic read only memory card which can becoupled to and read by a card reader to which electronic read onlymemory cards can also be coupled to and read by, the holographic readonly memory card comprising: a housing having a compartment forreceiving a holographic storage medium; and a holographic storage mediumhaving stored thereon holographic data; wherein the housing comprisesone or more card locating members to thereby repeatedly position theholographic read only memory card each time the holographic read onlymemory card is coupled to the card reader so that the holographic datacan be read.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing has arecessed inner compartment which is provided a retainer section forreceiving a holographic storage medium.
 3. The device of claim 2, whichfurther comprises a generally rectangular-shaped panel member whichincludes an electrical contact interface and wherein the housing isgenerally rectangular-shaped and is provided with a generallyrectangular-shaped recessed portion for receiving and retaining thepanel member.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the recessed portion forreceiving and retaining the panel member comprises a shoulder on whichthe panel member is seated.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein thehousing comprises a first side edge and a second side edge laterallyspaced from the first side edge, and wherein at least one of the firstand second side edges are provided with one or more side-to-side cardlocating members.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein there are at leasttwo side-to-side card locating members which are laterally space apartfrom each other and which are formed in one of the first and second sideedges.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein the housing has a width definedby the first and second side edges which is greater than the width ofthe corresponding electronic read only memory card.
 8. The device ofclaim 5, wherein the housing comprises a top section and a bottomsection, and wherein one of the bottom and top sections have a firstside portion adjacent the first side edge and having a firstside-to-side card locating surface, and a second side portion adjacentthe second side edge and having a second side-to-side card locatingsurface.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first and secondside-to-side card locating surfaces are recessed.
 10. The device ofclaim 9, wherein the one of the bottom and top sections comprise a pairof laterally space apart ridges, each ridge extending along one of thefirst and second side edges, and wherein one of the first and secondside-to-side card locating surfaces is formed at a juncture of eachridge and each side edge.
 11. The device of claim 8, wherein the one ofthe bottom and top sections comprises the top section, and wherein thefirst and second side-to-side card locating surfaces also function asbottom-to-top locating surfaces.
 12. A device comprising a holographicread only memory card which can be coupled to and read by a card readerto which electronic read only memory cards can also be coupled to andread by the holographic read only memory card comprising: a housinghaving a compartment for receiving a holographic storage medium; and aholographic storage medium having stored thereon holographic data; andan electronics panel member having an electronic memory component whichcan be read by the card reader when the holographic read only memorycard is coupled to the electronic card reader; wherein the housingcomprises one or more card locating members to thereby repeatedlyposition the holographic read only memory card each time the holographicread only memory card is coupled to the electronic card reader so thatthe holographic data can be read.
 13. The device of claim 12, whereinthe housing has a recessed inner compartment which is provided with aretainer section for receiving a holographic storage medium.
 14. Thedevice of claim 13, which further comprises a generallyrectangular-shaped electronics panel member which includes an electricalcontact interface and wherein the housing is generallyrectangular-shaped and is provided with a generally rectangular-shapedrecessed portion for receiving and retaining the electronics panelmember.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the recessed portion forreceiving and retaining the electronics panel member comprises ashoulder on which the panel member is seated.
 16. The device of claim15, wherein the electronics panel member includes an electronic memorycomponent, and wherein the recessed compartment includes a portion inwhich the electronic memory component fits when the electronic panelmember is seated on the shoulder of the recessed portion for receivingand retaining the electronics panel member.
 17. The device of claim 12,wherein the housing comprises a first side edge and a second side edgelaterally spaced from the first side edge, and wherein at least one ofthe first and second side edges are provided with one or moreside-to-side card locating members.
 18. The device of claim 17, whereinthere are at least two side-to-side card locating members which arelaterally space apart from each other and which are formed in one of thefirst and second side edges.
 19. The device of claim 17, wherein thehousing has a width defined by the first and second side edges which isgreater than the width of the corresponding electronic read only memorycard.
 20. The device of claim 18, wherein the housing comprises a topsection and a bottom section, and wherein one of the bottom and topsections have a first side portion adjacent the first side edge andhaving a first side-to-side card locating surface, and a second sideportion adjacent the second side edge and having a second side-to-sidecard locating surface.
 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the first andsecond side-to-side card locating surfaces are recessed.
 22. The deviceof claim 21, wherein the one of the bottom and top sections comprise apair of laterally space apart ridges, each ridge extending along one ofthe first and second side edges, and wherein one of the first and secondside-to-side card locating surfaces is formed at a juncture of eachridge and each side edge.
 23. The device of claim 21, wherein the one ofthe bottom and top sections comprises the top section, and wherein thefirst and second side-to-side card locating surfaces also function asbottom-to-top locating surfaces.
 24. The device of claim 12, wherein theelectronic memory component contains data which can be read.
 25. Thedevice of claim 12, wherein the electronic memory component can storedata.
 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the stored data is changeable.27. The device of claim 25, wherein the stored data is permanentlystored.
 28. The device of claim 12, wherein the electronic memorycomponent can do one or more of the following: contain data; store data,or change stored data.
 29. The device of claim 12, wherein theelectronic memory component comprises an electronic non-volatile memorycomponent.
 30. The device of claim 29, wherein the electronicnon-volatile memory component can record data.